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Springfield bowler (and rapper) at home in spotlight

Lyndal Scranton, Special to the News-Leader
Published 8:46 p.m. CT Feb. 19, 2018

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Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff.(Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)

“Saturday night, when I knew I was going to be on TV the next day, I was nervous that I was going to be too nervous to bowl well,” Williams said. “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to focus. The first shot, I was a little nervous, but said, ‘Let’s just throw this good and go from there.’ It struck and I was like, ‘OK. Let’s do some bowling.

“It felt good to be there, just doing what I do and showing people who I am.”

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Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams bowls against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams, right, hugs Marshall Kent, left, after their game during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

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Williams won his first match, 229-225 over Shota Kawazoe of Japan before losing 218-210 in the semifinals to Marshall Kent of Tacoma, Washington. Williams finished third and earned $13,000, some of which might be needed for an upgraded data plan for his cellphone.

“I had a billion notifications,” Williams said Monday with a laugh, noting that he was working his way through all the messages after arriving home early Monday. “I look forward to seeing what everyone (on social media) had to say and get back to everyone that I can.”

Williams, a 2011 Glendale High School graduate, is the first Springfield bowler to appear in a PBA Tour televised finals since the late Sean Swanson finished second at the 1998 Oregon Open.

The PBA 60th Anniversary Classic was only the fifth PBA Tour national event Williams had entered. His previous-best finish had been 34th, but he put it all together last week by averaging over 230 through 48 games of qualifying leading into Sunday’s title round.

That Williams enjoyed the big moment on Sunday, frequently smiling and appearing relaxed, did not surprise one of his biggest bowling supporters.

“I had zero doubts that he would be able to thrive in the moment and that it wouldn’t be too big for him,” said local bowler Casey Murphy, who has some PBA Tour experience. “He’s bowled for a lot of big money in some big events in the Texas and Oklahoma area. Not as big as the PBA, but he won a doubles tournament last year for almost as much as he made” Sunday.

Williams credits Murphy as being instrumental in his bowling career, giving him financial and emotional backing to get started.

“Ben Casey was my high school bowling coach and got me on my feet,” Williams said. “Casey Murphy has been the biggest help I could ask for. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be bowling today. He got ahold of me after I graduated from high school and wanted to back me. He’s helped me so much since I began to take it serious and has taught me so much.”

Murphy said he could tell after seeing Williams bowl in high school that there was “something special” there.

“I’ve seen enough bowling, being around Sean (Swanson) and others, that I could tell. There aren’t many kids that turn my head and he did,” Murphy said.

He noted Williams’ two-handed throwing style plays to his natural athletic ability. Williams also played soccer, baseball and basketball as a teenager and could dunk a basketball.

“And he’s only 5-10 or 5-11,” Murphy said. “Just a freak athlete. With all that, I knew he was something pretty special.”

Until his next PBA Tour event, the USBC Master’s in April in Syracuse, N.Y., life returns to normal for Williams. That begins with his job fitting and drilling bowling balls in the Enterprise Park Lanes pro shop. He bowls in the Springfield Masters league held on Tuesday nights at Enterprise.

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Jakob Butturff during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff, right, is hugged by opponant Marshall Kent, left, after their game during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff reacts to his win against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Jakob Butturff during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Jakob Butturff during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

The crowed cheers on competitors during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Jakob Butturff during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Jakob Butturff during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

A fan cheers of Indy native Matt Sanders during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his roll while facing off against Indy native Matt Sanders during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Indy native Matt Sanders faces off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his roll while facing off against Indy native Matt Sanders during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

A guest holds a "I go bowling with Kevin" sign during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe faces off against Indy native Matt Sanders during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

The crowed cheers on competitors during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his roll while facing off against Indy native Matt Sanders during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams faces off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

A young fan cheers the competitors during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe faces off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams faces off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his own roll while facing off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe faces off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe celebrates a good roll while facing off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams faces off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams watches his ball while facing off against Shota Kawazoe during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his roll while facing off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Shota Kawazoe reacts to his roll while facing off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams reacts to his roll while facing off against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent faces off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his roll while facing off against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams bowls against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent bowls against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent, juggles a resin bag during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent bowls against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Keven Williams, right, hugs Marshall Kent, left, after their game during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Marshall Kent reacts to his throw while bowling against Keven Williams during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

The crowed takes their seats during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff reacts to his throw while bowling against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff reacts to his throw while bowling against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff reacts to his throw while bowing against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Jakob Butturff reacts to his throw while bowling against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. Jakob Butturff won the stepladder finals. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

There's also the music thing that Williams does in his spare time. He’s recorded his own material that can be found on YouTube and on several music platforms such as iTunes and Spotify. He has an artist’s Facebook page at facebook.com/KevenWilliamsMusic with nearly 3,000 followers.

Keven Williams bowls against Marshall Kent during the PBA 60th Anniversary Classic held at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The stepladder finals were ultimately won by Jakob Butturff.(Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)

Asked which would be the ultimate, to make it big as a bowler or musician, Williams said it’s a tough call. He has performed at local clubs like the Outland and Krave and said he’s working on a big music project he hopes to unveil in the near future.

“Bowling, I’m already there and it’s what I do for a living,” Williams said. “Music is something that I love to do, but I’m not banking off music taking me somewhere because I have a profession already that pays the bills and takes me where I want to be.”

Williams, who says he does not have a stage name, seems to have the best of both worlds.

“Music is a stress reliever. It helps me take my mind off things and allows me to speak my mind,” he said.